Isabela Borges, "How do plants interact with insects on their leaves and bacteria in the soil?"
Do plants have friends? From bugs on their leaves to tiny bacteria in the soil, plants sometimes need help getting food or protecting themselves from enemies! Join scientist Isabela Borges to explore how plants in Michigan interact with other species, like ants and bacteria, and how they help each other survive. Learn about the importance of those interactions for plant conservation, soil health, and food chains!
Exploring with Scientists is an online series that connects upper elementary and middle school students with graduate students conducting ecological research at the Station. Each of the six programs will focus on a certain type of animal or insect and touch on how scientists collect data in the field. Participants will be able to submit questions related to natural history, research and science careers.
Student Objectives
students will engage with real scientists and learn more about their research
students will be walked through a real-life science experiment and see what (field) research is like in order to answer a scientific question
students will be able to ask questions about a scientist’s career, education, research, and other related topics
students will be able to reflect on their own experiences with science and further define their definition of science/scientists